Nairobi and Rome sign four-year Action Plan for infrastructure and trade

President William Ruto has concluded a high-level official visit to Rome, where he secured a multi-sectoral cooperation agreement with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two leaders signed the Italy-Kenya Action Plan 2026-2029, a document that formalises Kenya’s role as a priority partner within the Mattei Plan for Africa.

The agreement comes at a time when Italy is seeking to deepen its footprint on the continent through energy, infrastructure, and technology transfers. During the meeting on 20 April 2026, both heads of state committed to a structured framework that prioritises political dialogue and economic integration.

A central pillar of the new plan involves enhancing political consultations between the respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs. This includes regular high-level visits and coordination on global challenges such as climate change and migration, which have become critical points of discussion for both nations.

Italy has identified Kenya as a key focus of the Mattei Plan, a strategic initiative designed to foster non-predatory partnerships between Europe and African states. The Action Plan specifically targets growth through regional integration, aligning with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

President Ruto noted that the bilateral relationship has reached a new momentum, which will be sustained through periodic consultations on the sidelines of multilateral events. The leaders agreed to reinforce cooperation within the United Nations to address stability and security in Africa and beyond.

For the construction and infrastructure sectors, the plan signals potential for joint ventures in sustainable development. The document highlights a shared commitment to technology and humanitarian support, which often translates into large-scale engineering and social infrastructure projects.

The 2026-2029 roadmap aims to promote joint efforts in fostering peace and security, which provides the necessary stability for long-term capital investments. Both nations have agreed to explore further synergies to support inclusive growth and trade across the African continent.

The agreement serves as a follow-up to previous engagements where Italy pledged support for Kenya's green energy transition. By formalising these intentions into a four-year plan, the two governments provide a clearer timeline for investors and state agencies to execute development projects.

The official document, titled the Italy-Kenya Action Plan 2026-2029, was signed in Rome following bilateral talks. It remains a foundational piece of President Ruto’s broader strategy to attract European investment into Kenya’s manufacturing and logistical hubs.